Grunfeld Gets a Promotion

Published: July 22, 1993

RYE BROOK, N.Y., July 21—
The Knicks made official today what everybody has known for days: Ernie Grunfeld has been promoted to vice president and general manager of the team.

As vice president for player personnel since 1991, Grunfeld, 38, had been responsible for player decisions, trades and the draft. He will keep those duties along with becoming more involved in contract negotiations.

"Ernie will step into the position and take some of the responsibilities that I've been doing," said David Checketts, the club president, at a news conference at the Doral Arrowwood Resort. "I still have to be the final one to answer to Paramount."

"This is just a recognition of the job I've done here and the contributions I've made to the organization," said Grunfeld, who played his last four years in the league with the Knicks.

Since Checketts, Grunfeld and Coach Pat Riley teamed together, the Knicks have turned from a mediocre club to a championship contender. In the aftermath of their bitter Eastern Conference championship series loss to Chicago, there has been much speculation as to what moves, if any, the Knicks are going to make. So far, Grunfeld says that they are going to stand pat.

"Most likely, this will be the team we go into camp with," he said. "We've shown people we're not reluctant to pull the trigger on deals, and we are always exploring opportunities, but we don't want to break up the foundation of this team."